A trailer stacked with a large load of baled hay caught fire on a motorway near Chippenham on Monday (January 10).

The hay caught fire on the hard shoulder and first lane just past the sliproad to the westbound Junction 17 on the M4 at 5.30pm.

South West Farmer: The scene. Picture: Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue ServiceThe scene. Picture: Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

The motorway was closed in both directions for many hours while crews from 11 fire stations tackled the fire.

It took nearly 12 hours to fight the fire which was particularly challneging as the hay kept reigniting.

National Highways South-West tweeted: "Load keeps reigniting so unsafe to run traffic past scene until under control.

"We don't have a clear timescale to do this.

South West Farmer: The scene. Picture: Ramsbury Fire StationThe scene. Picture: Ramsbury Fire Station

"If you're in the closure thanks for your patience. We will get you out in due course.

"We appreciate it is frustrating having to wait but we all want to ensure the fire is fully under control before letting the public drive past."

South West Farmer: The scene. Picture: Ramsbury Fire StationThe scene. Picture: Ramsbury Fire Station

Firefighters used a telehandler to move the bales so that they could be dampened down.

Although a lane was reopened at 5am the following morning, fire fighters stayed on scene while the hay was loaded onto lorries for disposal.